Forex earnings from tourism up by Rs 551 cr

Foreign exchange earnings from tourism has risen by Rs 551 crore (Rs 5.51 billion) in June as compared to the same period last year, officials said.

Forex earnings in June 2013 were Rs 7,036 crore (Rs 70.36 billion) as against Rs 6,485 cr (Rs 64.85 billion) in the same month last year, registering a growth of 8.5 per cent.

According to a Tourism Ministry data, the total earnings during January to June 2013 were Rs 50,448 crore (Rs 504.48 billion) as compared to Rs 43,760 crore (Rs 437.60 in the corresponding period last year, recording an increase of 15.3 per cent.

Incredible India campaign attracted 4.44 lakh foreign tourists in June as against 4.33 lakh in the same month last year, which was a growth of 2.5 per cent.

Foreign tourist arrivals during January to June 2013 were 33.08 lakh as compared to 32.24 lakh in the same period last year, registering a growth of 2.6 per cent.